Tips for Getting Around in Italy

Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In terms of getting around and touring the country, we have two words for you: trains and vespa. As with most places in Europe, Italy has an expansive train network that makes getting from end-to-end really easy. When you’re within cities, there’s nothing more Italian than cruising the streets in a vespa with your beret and scarf flapping in the wind.

Trains

Train prices in Italy are very reasonably, no matter what kind of budget you’re on. The fast Eurostar trains run between $40-70 USD per trip, while the slower regional trains are much cheaper at $7-25 USD per trip. The prices in Italy are actually cheaper than most other European city and the experience is even more comfortable.

Perhaps the biggest advantage to train travel is that the ride itself is part of the trip. When you fly, you don’t get the chance to take in the landscape, but trains give you that chance in spades. As soon as you get to your seat, the trip begins. You also avoid long waits at airports when you travel by train. Despite the slower pace of travel, you’ll definitely save time waiting in airports.

Vespa

Everytime I think about Italy, my first thought is driving around stone streets in a vespa. While driving can be a bit intimidating with crazy traffic, and fast and aggressive drivers, as long as you have your wits about you, you’ll be just fine. Keep in mind though that you’ll need an International Driving Permit before renting a vehicle in Italy. Once you get out of the big cities, driving will be a lot more tame and oftentimes necessary. If you’re in Tuscany, for example, driving around in a vespa will be amazing. Ride from town to town sampling the fare and sipping the wine as you go.

If you’re comfortable on a scooter, driving around on a vespa in Italy is the quintessential Italian experience. While trains are the ideal form of transport through Italy, if you’re short on time, airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet should also be considered. These budget airlines have cheap flights throughout the country.